Sidney Applebaum Obituary (1924 - 2016)

Sidney Applebaum died peacefully at home on August 6, 2016 at the age of 92. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a visionary grocer, entrepreneur, mentor and role model. He loved his work and loved his family more. Sidney was born to Oscar and Bertha Applebaum on February 28, 1924. He grew up on the west side of St. Paul, graduating from Humboldt High School. In 1946 he married the apple of his eye, Lorraine Smith; they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary next month. Together they raised three children, Nancy, Jay and Ellen. He was selfless and incredibly generous. His greatest pleasure was seeing his family together, happy and growing. He loved to play golf, especially with his children or grandchildren. He spent time in the winter in Palm Springs, California, enjoying family and friends in the sunshine. He was a terrific storyteller and loved to share memories of his childhood, business career and the remarkable people who touched his life. One of nine siblings, he grew up in the grocery business. His father owned a corner grocery stand in downtown St. Paul where Sidney spent his childhood bundling soap and bagging rice. By the 1970’s, Applebaum’s Food Markets, which Sidney operated with his brothers and brothers-in-law, grew to over 30 stores in Minnesota. After selling Applebaum’s, Sidney co-founded Rainbow Foods in 1983, serving as CEO until 1996. Sidney’s professional contributions in the grocery industry led to his being awarded “Grocer of the Century” by the Minnesota Grocers Association in 1997. Together with his children, Sidney started a chain of retail liquor stores in 1978, Big Top Liquors and Sid’s Discount Liquors. Upon retiring from the grocery business, he shifted his focus to the liquor stores, allowing him to continue doing what he loved most – working and spending time with family. His strong work ethic defined Sidney’s character and life. He started his work day at 4 am and worked every day, going to his office at Midway Big Top Liquors until last week. Sidney was recently recognized as a 2014 Market Watch Leader for the success of Big Top Liquors. Sidney was deeply committed to giving back to the community that he felt had given him, his family and businesses so much. He served on a number of boards including United Hospital, University of Minnesota Children’s Cancer Research Fund, The Highland Bank, Twin Cities US Olympic Festival, Oak Ridge Country Club and was a member of the St. Paul Rotary and the Shriners. He was proud to be honored by United Hospital with the Service to Humanity Award in 1994 and was named Trustee of the Year in 2005 for his dedicated service. Sidney is preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings, Hy, Meyer, Abe, Arthur, Roy, Harry, Rose Singer and Ethel Specktor. He is survived by his wife Lorraine; children Nancy (Marc) Rosenberg, Jay and Ellen (Robert) Saffron; grandchildren Betsy (James) Schwartz, Anne (Michael) Stanfield, William (Sheryl) Rosenberg, Jonathan (Kate), Jill, Thomas, Molly Saffron and Katie Saffron (Jordan Wolf); great-grandchildren, Lucy and June Schwartz, Alexa and Jonah Rosenberg and Benjamin Stanfield; and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral service 1:00 pm TUESDAY at the ADATH JESHURUN CONGREGATION, 10500 Hillside Lane W., Minnetonka. In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred to the Lorraine and Sidney Applebaum Family Fund at Jewish Family and Children's Service or the donor's favorite charity. SHIVA, 7:00 pm Tuesday August 9 and Wednesday August 10 at 3429 Oakton Drive, Minnetonka